Patricia “Pat” Finkel, of Prior Lake, passed away on September 7, 2016 at the age of 78. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, September 12, 2016 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM with a Celebration of Life Service at 6:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation; 4565 Pleasant Street SE; Prior Lake, MN. Chaplain Jen Johnson and Chaplain Wil VerMeer will preside. Pat’s son, Jerry, will act as an urn bearer. Pat will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
On August 17, 1938, Charles and Gladys Danley celebrated the birth of their daughter, Patricia Ann. Pat was the eldest child in her family, and she always found herself looking out for her siblings. Until age 12, Pat was raised by her single father and grandmother. She quickly learned the importance of family. When Pat’s father married Catherine, Pat was thrilled to have a new mom and all of the siblings that followed over the years.
As a young woman, Pat was quite the thrill seeker. She loved going on roller coasters and was known for climbing water towers. This is a bit ironic since later in life, Pat became terrified of both water and heights. She also enjoyed singing and was active in her church and school choirs.
Soon Pat got a job at the local store, and this job changed her life. Bill Finkel transferred into the store as assistant manager. Pat and Bill hit it off immediately and were soon in love. They exchanged wedding vows on February 28, 1959 and were blessed with five wonderful children.
Bill’s job required that the Finkel family moved a lot over the years, but this created such a special bond amongst their family. While Bill was working hard to support his family, Pat was at home running the household and raising their kids. She did a fantastic job! Their doors were always open to friends and neighborhood kids too. Pat was tough and had strict rules, but she was always fair and loved her family unconditionally. She often warned her kids, “You can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can NEVER fool your mom.”
Family was the most important thing in Pat’s life, and many of her hobbies and interests revolved around them. She was Cub Scout and Brownie Leader. She helped with the booster clubs and taught Sunday School. Pat even went back to school to earn her high school degree and graduated at the same time as her son. Pat was the “neighborhood mom” and she always had delicious treats ready for anyone who stopped by. Eventually, Bill and Pat settled in Prior Lake, and some of their kids soon followed.
She truly instilled the importance of family in each of her kids. And when the grandkids came along, she taught them the same lessons. Pat and Bill loved having all of their grandkids come to their home to spend a few weeks with grandma and grandpa during summer vacation.
Pat was supportive, encouraging and a beautiful woman. In fact, in her youth she was a finalist in a Beauty Contest. She always put the needs of others before her own. Pat passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side. During her last few weeks, Pat received excellent care from her family and support by Optage Hospice team. She will be deeply missed and remembered always by those who loved her.
Pat is survived by her husband and friend of 57 years, Bill; sons, Jerry Finkel, Keith (Cathy) Finkel and Jeff Finkel; daughters, Karen Finkel and Dana (Craig) Adelmann; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters Doris (Dick) Shirley and Doreen Black; brothers, Charles (Carole) Danley and Thomas (Linda) Danley; other loving relatives and friends. Pat is preceded by her parents, Charles and Catherine Danley; birth mom, Gladys Danley; step-brother, Michael Danley.
